Use Of Wildlife Resources Research Articles

Validation of elk resource selection models with spatially independent data

AbstractKnowledge of how landscape features affect wildlife resource use is essential for informed management. Resource selection functions often are used to make and validate predictions about landscape use; however, resource selection functions are rarely validated with data from landscapes independent of those from which the models were built. This problem has severely limited the application of resource selection functions over larger geographic areas for widely distributed species. North American elk (Cervus elaphus) is an example of a widely‐distributed species of keen interest to managers and for which validation of resource selection functions over large geographic areas is important. We evaluated the performance of resource selection functions developed for elk on one landscape in northeast Oregon with independent data from a different landscape in the same region. We compared predicted versus observed elk resource use for 9 monthly or seasonal periods across 3 yr. Results showed strong, positive agreement between predicted and observed use for 2 spring and 3 late summer‐early fall models (3‐yr r = 0.81–0.95). Predicted versus observed use was negatively or weakly positively correlated for 3 summer models and 1 mid‐fall model (3‐yr r = −0.57–0.14). Predicted and observed use correlated well when forage was limited (spring and late summer or early fall), corresponding to important biological stages for elk (parturition and breeding seasons). For these seasonal periods, model covariates such as rate of motorized traffic and canopy closure often were effective predictors of elk resource selection. The models we validated for spring and late summer‐early fall may be used to evaluate management activities in areas with similar landscape characteristics. © 2010 The Wildlife Society.

Can We Accurately Characterize Wildlife Resource Use When Telemetry Data Are Imprecise?

ABSTRACT Telemetry data have been widely used to quantify wildlife habitat relationships despite the fact that these data are inherently imprecise. All telemetry data have positional error, and failure to account for that error can lead to incorrect predictions of wildlife resource use. Several techniques have been used to account for positional error in wildlife studies. These techniques have been described in the literature, but their ability to accurately characterize wildlife resource use has never been tested. We evaluated the performance of techniques commonly used for incorporating telemetry error into studies of wildlife resource use. Our evaluation was based on imprecise telemetry data (mean telemetry error = 174 m, SD = 130 m) typical of field‐based studies. We tested 5 techniques in 10 virtual environments and in one real‐world environment for categorical (i.e., habitat types) and continuous (i.e., distances or elevations) rasters. Technique accuracy varied by patch size for the categorical rasters, with higher accuracy as patch size increased. At the smallest patch size (1 ha), the technique that ignores error performed best on categorical data (0.31 and 0.30 accuracy for virtual and real data, respectively); however, as patch size increased the bivariate‐weighted technique performed better (0.56 accuracy at patch sizes >31 ha) and achieved complete accuracy (i.e., 1.00 accuracy) at smaller patch sizes (472 ha and 1,522 ha for virtual and real data, respectively) than any other technique. We quantified the accuracy of the continuous covariates using the mean absolute difference (MAD) in covariate value between true and estimated locations. We found that average MAD varied between 104 m (ignore telemetry error) and 140 m (rescale the covariate data) for our continuous covariate surfaces across virtual and real data sets. Techniques that rescale continuous covariate data or use a zonal mean on values within a telemetry error polygon were significantly less accurate than other techniques. Although the technique that ignored telemetry error performed best on categorical rasters with smaller average patch sizes (i.e., ≤31 ha) and on continuous rasters in our study, accuracy was so low that the utility of using point‐based approaches for quantifying resource use is questionable when telemetry data are imprecise, particularly for small‐patch habitat relationships.

Determinants of Attitudes and Perceptions on Resource Use and Management of Marsabit National Reserve, Kenya

The establishment of protected areas had negative consequences on local communities. The shift in conservation resulted in restriction of access to resources, disruption of local culture and economies by tourists, increased predation on crops and livestock and displacement of inhabitants. A survey was undertaken to determine relationship between respondent's socio-economic characteristics and their attitudes and perceptions towards protected area conservation, determine the effect of wildlife benefits and their associated cost on attitudes and perceptions and determine if respondent attitudes and perceptions was affected by proximity of their residence to Marsabit National Reserve. One hundred eighty-seven households were selected through stratified random sampling and surveyed using questionnaire composed of both open and closed ended questions. Information acquired was triangulated through informal interviews, field observations and focused group discussions. Cross-tabulation using Pearson Chi-square test controlled for selected variables were used to determine differences between independent variables and attitudes. The sex and conservation awareness do not affect respondent attitudes while age, level of education, economic activities, wildlife benefits accrued and damages, restricted use of wildlife resources and distance from the reserve significantly affected the attitudes. In addition, age significantly affected the perceptions of the benefits accrued from the reserve while wildlife damage significantly related to economic activities. It is recommended to consider level of education, economic activities, and age of respondents and increase wildlife benefits to foster community based wildlife management.

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources in the Tajik National Park, Republic of Tajikistan

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources in the Tajik National Park, Republic of Tajikistan

An Evaluation of Hunter Self-Monitoring in the Bolivian Chaco

Community wildlife management is being tested across the tropics as a means of promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife resources. Key to successful programs is the effective participation of local hunters and communities in monitoring, planning, decision-making and implementation. We evaluate one method to achieve this participation, namely hunter self-monitoring. Between 1997 and 2000, Izoceno hunters from 22 communities in the Bolivian Chaco have voluntarily participated in monitoring their hunting activities, measuring and recording data on captured animals and hunting methods in personal notebooks. Despite the lack of remuneration, participation exceeds 60% of active hunters. However, the written information and specimens provided are not complete, and are biased according to hunting methods and prey characteristics. Complementary research is essential to answer specific research questions. Nevertheless, hunter self-monitoring serves to raise awareness of wildlife management issues at the communal or indigenous territory level, as evidenced by preliminary actions taken by hunters and communities in the Izozog.

An Assessment of the Impacts of Forest Management on Aboriginal Hunters: Evidence from Stated and Revealed Preference Data

Abstract Assessing the impacts of forest harvesting activities on Aboriginal people and incorporating these considerations into forest management plans is one of the challenges facing Canadian forest managers. In this study, we model hunting behavior using stated and revealed preference data on subsistence use of wildlife resources. We use this framework to assess the impacts of forest management changes on Aboriginal people in northwestern Saskatchewan. Innovative approaches to data collection are employed to address challenges in obtaining data in these contexts. The econometric analysis combines the stated and revealed preference information to account for limitations in the revealed preference data. Monetary measures of welfare are examined, but we also assess resource compensation and zoning as mechanisms for addressing the impact of forest harvesting on subsistence wildlife use. The results also demonstrate the use of geographic information system information in linking forest management and Aboriginal resource use. FOR. SCI. 50(2):139–152.

A participatory counting method to monitor populations of large mammals in non-protected areas: a case study of bicycle counts in the Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe

The sustainable use of wildlife resources within community-based programmes is considered as a valuable option to enhance development and conservation objectives. The application of such a concept in communal lands requires the strong support of local communities through their active involvement in wildlife management. Precise and regular information on wildlife abundance is also essential for effective conservation. In this paper, we present an innovative participatory monitoring method based on bicycle counts developed within the framework of an integrated conservation and development project in the Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe. Results from the 1999 count of population density and structure of common species as well as diversity of large to medium size species are presented. We demonstrate the efficiency of this method, which allowed a high census intensity with efficient animal detection, and hence appeared appropriate for use in a non-protected area. The method gave high levels of precision for the density estimates obtained (10–30% cv) and is therefore useful as a repeatable monitoring tool. In addition, this method is inexpensive to run and is easy to implement for local people. We emphasise the technical and financial autonomy offered by the bicycle counts for communities to monitor their wildlife resources, and we discuss the contribution of this method to the wildlife management process.

Trophy Hunting as a Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources in Southern and Eastern Africa. Joni E. Baker. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 5, no. 4,1997, pp. 306-21. Channel View Books/Multilingual Matters Ltd., Frankfurt Lodge, Clevedon Hall, Victoria Road, Clevedon BS21 7HH, United Kingdom. $73 annual subscription

Trophy Hunting as a Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources in Southern and Eastern Africa. Joni E. Baker. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 5, no. 4,1997, pp. 306-21. Channel View Books/Multilingual Matters Ltd., Frankfurt Lodge, Clevedon Hall, Victoria Road, Clevedon BS21 7HH, United Kingdom. $73 annual subscription

Agriculture, Foraging and Wildlife Resource Use in Africa: Cultural and Political Dynamics in the Zambezi Valley

Agriculture, Foraging and Wildlife Resource Use in Africa: Cultural and Political Dynamics in the Zambezi Valley Richard Hasler. London: Kegan Paul, 1996.

Trophy Hunting as a Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources in Southern and Eastern Africa

Preserving wildlife in a pristine state on a large scale is no longer feasible in view of continued human population increases, economic development, habitat fragmentation and degradation, the introduction of nonnative species, and commercialisation of wildlife products. The wise use of the planet's remaining wildlife resources will depend on management practices which recognise that indigenous people are integral parts of ecosystems. Community-based conservation, which attempts to devolve responsibility for the sustainable use of wildlife resources to the local level, can include consumptive activities, such as trophy hunting, as well as nonconsumptive forms of tourism. The trophy hunting management systems of six countries of eastern and southern Africa are profiled and critiqued, demonstrating a number of essential conditions for obtaining optimal wildlife conservation and community benefits.

Agriculture, Foraging and Wild-Life Resource Use in Africa: Cultural and Political Dynamics in the Zambezi Valley.

Agriculture, Foraging and Wild-Life Resource Use in Africa: Cultural and Political Dynamics in the Zambezi Valley.

Agriculture, Foraging and Wildlife Resource Use in Africa: Cultural and political dynamics in the Zambezi valley

Agriculture, Foraging and Wildlife Resource Use in Africa: Cultural and political dynamics in the Zambezi valley

Wildlife, people and development: veterinary contributions to wildlife health and resource management in Africa.

Human population pressures, habitat loss, environmental degradation and illegal hunting in Africa have resulted in the loss of biodiversity and near extinction of certain wildlife species. The dilemma for Africa is the balancing of conservation and development. If wildlife is not to become a relic of the past then it must have more than just aesthetic value. It must contribute materially to the well being of people who live close to the resource. In fact, appropriate management of biodiversity would lay the foundations for a more positive future for the rural people of Africa, with the key being the adoption of an active adaptive management philosophy. This paper reviews the issue of sustainable use of wildlife resources and how the Veterinary profession contributes positively to wildlife health management in Africa. These contributions have been through increasing veterinary inputs into wildlife management and research, disease surveillance and prevention, training and education. Wildlife and ecosystems are increasingly having to be managed in order to save and maintain biological diversity. Veterinarians have a crucial role to play towards the maintenance of wildlife health as part of a multi-disciplinary wildlife management team.

Market Dynamics of Bushmeat Species in Equatorial Guinea

1. Wild animals are an important protein source in many countries in West Africa. Studies of numbers and fluctuations of game species entering markets can provide vital information on wildlife use and exploitation in the consumer regions. 2. Two market sites in each of the most important towns, Malabo (Bioko Island) and Bata (Rio Muni) in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, central Africa, were studied from October 1990 to October 1991. 3. 15 and 38 species of mammals, birds and reptiles were recorded in Bioko and Rio Muni, respectively. A total of 18012 carcasses was counted; 61.2% in Bioko and 38.8% in Rio Muni. 4. Abundance and availability of individual bushmeat species were described by: (a) the daily abundance of species (DA) as the average number of carcasses species -1 day -1 during all sampled days; (b) the carcass volume (CV) for each species as the average number of carcasses species -1 day -1 sold during available days, and (c) the species availability (MA) in markets as the percentage number of days per month during which a species was present for sale. 5. Two species, Cephalophus monticola and Cricetomys emini, in Bioko and C. monticola and Atherurus africanus in Rio Muni accounted for more than half of all carcasses brought into markets. 6. Seasonal differences in number of carcasses entering markets in Bioko were observed between dry and wet periods. In Rio Muni, increases were observed during the short dry and long rains periods. 7. Monthly changes in number of carcasses of species (>50 year -1 ) were compared between markets using Spearman rank correlation tests. Two main clusters appeared in relation to abundance of species in markets. 8. Bushmeat demand in the large towns in Equatorial Guinea may possibly exceed supply at present. Studies of bushmeat dynamics in markets can be used to monitor use of wildlife resources in the country.

OWNERSHIP AND THE REGULATION OF WILDLIFE

The use of wildlife resources is governed by a combination of private contracts and public regulations. Most often, private landowners control access rights, and government agencies regulate hunting and other uses. This paper shows that these institutions depend on wildlife values and the ability of private landowners to control access to species that inhabit their land. Logit regressions and literary sources are used to test implications about private hunting rights and state regulations. The data support the view that private, legal, and political forces have led to institutions that vary in ways consistent with wealth maximization.

Wildlands and human needs: Resource use in an African protected area

The question of how to resolve conflicts between traditional uses of wildland resources by rural populations on the one hand, and interests of conservation on the other, is central to conservation in Africa. Conservation plans implemented in Africa have been largely based on Western values rather than those of the people whose livelihood is most affected. This paper describes a method whereby resource use by rural populations can be quantified and analyzed to be included in protected area planning. With the proclamation in 1977 of Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve in northern Malawi, settlement was effectively prohibited within the reserve boundary. Today, the reserve is surrounded by cultivated land. A method of obtaining a quantitative index of rates of wildlife resource use is presented and illustrated. Changes in rates of use in the reserve are presented for seasons and for the entire three-year study. Distributions and types of utilization are described relative to the region in the reserve in which they take place and to the adjacent population centers. The World Wildlife Fund's “Wildlands and Human Needs Program” is presented as an option for integrating conservation and the needs of rural populations in the reserve based on the data collected and for other areas in general. It is recognized that the future of the Earth's biological diversity is extricably linked to improving the quality and security of life of rural populations: so people are not forced to deplete their resources to survive; to create the conditions necessary for populations to begin to stabilize; and to make it logical and prudent for them to invest in longer term sustainable exploitation strategies.

Estimating Recreation Values Associated With Land Use Changes

Achieving optimal use of wildlife resources is a classic problem in natural resource economics. Ciriacy-Wantrup argued that wildlife resources are a case of a fugitive resource for which private property rights cannot easily be defined and therefore government policy may be necessary to obtain optimal use [5, pp. 141–145]. Land use planning is one area of government policy in which limited attention has been given to management of wildlife resources. One reason for the neglect may be the lack of emphasis on estimating the value of wildlife recreation experiences associated with particular land uses. An exception is the work of Martin, Tinney, and Gum [16] who did not look at marginal land use changes but did consider the termination of all cattle ranching in Arizona and its effect on recreational and agricultural economic surpluses.

THE ROLE OF FIRE AND OTHER INFLUENCES ON THE SAVANNAH HABITAT, WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

SummaryThe derivation and definitions of the word “savannah” are discussed.The roles of fire, grazing and shifting cultivation as limiting factors in the savannah habitat are briefly considered. The savannah regions of Africa are made up of communities of plants and animals which have been “deflected” from their normal course of ecological succession by the influences of cultivation, fire, grazing and browsing.Fire‐sensitive plants are those which have not developed a resistance to burning. Many plants, for example “geophytes”, have become fire‐tolerant.The ability of woody plants to survive underground and regenerate quickly in savannah regions when given respite from grass fires for a few years is one of the reasons why regrowth is so difficult to control in overgrazed country, tsetse control clearings and areas protected from fire.The savannah regions can be regarded as areas of natural or semi‐natural vegetation which provide a habitat for wild and/or domestic ungulates. Therefore, it is from the rangeland aspect that the possibilities for further research in the savannah habitat should be considered.To succeed in future research projects, the disciplined co‐operation of the local people is essential.A few suggestions for some of the more obvious lines of research are:1. Prolonged investigations on the effects of fire, grazing and browsing on all types of savannah country.2. More intensive investigations on root systems and soil moisture relationships of the plants concerned are necessary.3. Studies of the nutritive value of different plants.4. Closer investigation into the cultivation of land for subsistence agriculture when it might be put to better use as rangeland is necessary.5. The possibilities of using all suitable parts of the savannah regions to the best advantage must be investigated in detail.6. The conservation and use of wild life resources must be studied as an integral part of savannah research.